The tattered flags, more appropriately called banners, are secured to historic lamp posts known at the Path of Gold with rusty steal fasteners that have for a decade leaked and ruined the paint.

However The City does not permit anything permanent on the posts. The flags went up illegally a decade ago and have never been removed for fear of not being able to replace them.

Supervisor Bevan Dufty proposed legislation that will allow them to be revitalized and stay as long as they are monitored regularly. Dufty is also suggesting fines that are enforced at the first sign of neglect, application fees and providing a phone number on the banner for people to call if they start falling into disrepair.